Returning To Work - Suggestions?

[UXgrrl 29]

Typically I am better at planning and organizing logistics but since my surgery, it feels like my brain has gone out the window most days. So I am asking the VST hive mind for help here.

In about two weeks I will be returning to work. For some reason I am uncharacteristically nervous about this, especially with regards to planning my food. I will just be about ready to transition to a normal diet per my surgeon's plan, which I know doesn't exactly mean go back to what I was eating before. I have a lot of questions: how much should I bring along? What should I expect to happen? What should I keep for emergencies?

Here is some background: I have a "desk job" but I am never actually AT my desk. Typically I am in meetings in different buildings on campus, walking between them, or holed up in a vacant conference room working on my laptop to get ready for the next meeting. I have two different break rooms with microwaves and refrigerators that I can stash my stuff in, but frequently I have to carry something in my backpack all day without the benefit of refrigeration. There are cafeterias and vending machines around, but they don't serve the healthiest stuff, so I don't want to rely on that. Plus, it gets expensive.

Also, I live out of town, requiring a 40 minute bus ride so I get up much earlier that I'd like, and I'm half-asleep so typically I am used to doing only the bare minimum to get out the door. Since surgery I've stopped drinking coffee, but that time has been replaced with getting my meds together. It's going to be a challenge to transition back to the 8-5 work day since I've been on my own relaxed sleep schedule since I've been on leave, so I expect my energy level to be quite low in the beginning. My job requires a lot of mental and creative energy, and a lot of communication, so the lag will probably be noticeable by others.

Speaking of others... what about dealing with coworkers? Many of them, the ones I don't see frequently, don't know I was gone at all. Some know I was out on medical leave. Some know it was for stomach surgery, and a small handful know it was for WLS. I don't expect any nastiness from them at all, but I do expect some concerned questions when they see that I've lost weight. Basically I don't want them to speculate that there is something seriously wrong with me. What can I say that will ease their concerns without divulging too much personal information? I am a very private person and I don't want everyone in my business.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice...!

[LindaS 316]

I teach at a university, so my work issues were/are very similar to you. I have an office, but I teach in different buildings. I have an hour commute, and I do have access to kitchens as well.

I make myself a Protein shake in the morning that is pretty high in Protein (plus 30 grams), so it takes me a LONG time to drink it. I add ice when I make it, and it usually serves me for about two hours. I bought myself a blender where the container that you mix it in becomes a cup. I also bought an extra cup for it. You can see it here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Oster-MyBlend-20-oz.-Personal-Blender/15777393

It doesn't take much time to make a Protein Shake. I use a premixed Protein Drink, add some Protein powder, flavor, milk and ice.

You could make up a Protein Shake the night before and keep it in a thermos. You can pour it into a portable cup and no one needs to know you are drinking your lunch.

I like the Protein shakes because most are shelf-stable. I keep some in my office, and I put them in fridges as I need them. I try to keep one in the two fridges that I use regularly.

I also like the packets. I get BariWise fruit drink mixes. One packet is 15 grams of protein. I can carry the packet and a shaker (blender) cup in my bag. When I am ready, I just add the Water, and I have a fulfilling drink that is 15 grams of protein as well.

Eating real food during my lunch didn't work for me. I usually have an hour, and it can take me a full hour to eat real food. It didn't leave me time to walk across campus let alone brush my teeth (I have braces too). I've found that liquid alternatives work best during the work day. My only exceptions are cheeses. I keep mozzarella sticks and Babybel cheeses in the fridge as well.

If I have to eat in front of someone (like during a meeting), I tend to bring yogurt. You could mention that you already ate or have a late lunch planned later, so you are just snacking at that time. Yogurt gives me something to eat without raising too many questions.

My energy level wasn't bad during my work day. I went back to work after 3 weeks. I didn't notice any fatigue until around 4 p.m., so most of my fatigue was noticed by my family not my co-workers.

Good luck!

[UXgrrl 29]

Linda, thanks for responding! You're right, we sound to be in similar situations. Good point about how pre-mixed liquid lunches seem to work better than solid food, considering the limited amount of time that can be spent on eating... I have a Magic Bullet blender with shake cup attachments that look pretty similar to your Oster, so that will probably work out fine.

I think this next week I'm going to start experimenting and collecting recipes for shakes and temperature-stable Snacks.

Did you know that cheese actually actually helps protect your teeth by coating them in Calcium? So you don't need to brush your teeth after a cheese snack (unless of course you can't stand the fuzzy feeling.)